Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive
in 2007 with funding from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/chatelaineofvergOObranuoft
iS^H S^l
THE KlNG^S CLASSICS UNDER
THE GENERAL EDITORSHIP OF
PROFESSOR GOLLANCZ, Litt.D.
i\\^
Wl^
<^y
%
THE CHATELAINE OF
VERGI.
THE^CHATELAINE OF
VERGI : A ROMANCE OF THE
XIIITH CENTURY: TRANS-
LATED BY ALICE KEMP-
WELCH : THE FRENCH TEXT
FROM THE EDITION RAY-
NAUD: INTRODUCTION BY
L. BRANDIN, PH.D.
546809
CHATTO &' WINDUS : PUBLISHERS
LONDON : 1909
voilA, mesdames, l'histoire que vous m*avez
PRI£e DE vous RACOMPTER, que JE C0NGN0I8
BIEN A VOZ CEILS n'aVOIR i^vt ENTENDUE SANS
COMPASSION."
— MARGUERITE DE NAVARRE.
1441
All rights reserved
J
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
A T the Court of the Dukes of Burgundy, as
^ ^ well as at that of the Count of Flanders,
and amongst the entourage of Queen Margaret
of Navarre, the dainty story of the Chatelaine
of Vergi caused many tears to be shed. It
made the hearts of many great lords and ladies
beat, and excited the pity of many a poet.
Touching allusions to the heroine of the story
have been made by various illustrious writers.
Froissart, for example, guided by Dame Pleasance
and Dame Esperance into the garden of King
Love, saw her there with Helen, Genievre,
Isoud, Hero, Polyxena, Dame Equo, and Medea,
and he ranks her love with the sad loves of
4 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
Tristran and Isoud, and of the Lady of Fayel
and the Chatelain of Couci.
Coming to us thus, escorted by long centuries
of tears and admiration, the Lady of Vergi does
not need a lengthy introduction. Her tragic
story appears here in its original form, and her
sublime love will give pleasure to-day for the
self-same reasons which, in the time of Philip
le Bel and Edward L, held the noble ladies of
Burgundy and Flanders under its spell. All
that can be said is that, after the lapse of six
centuries, some of the features of the story may
appear somewhat antiquated, and that, per-
chance, it may surprise some fair reader, pos-
sessed of only a dim notion of the code of love
which prevailed in the glorious age of chivalry,
to learn that the mere knowledge that her
secret had been betrayed by her lover could, at
the end of the thirteenth century, cause the
death of a noble lady. Even with this wrinkle
INTRODUCTION 5
on its brow, and with others which a careful
search may disclose, this little romance bears
gaily its well-nigh six hundred and fifty years.
The absence of the conventional and the tra-
ditional, the depth and variety of the psycho-
logical analysis, the naivete of the moral, the
unexpectedness of the philosophical ideas — these
are the causes of its eternal youth. The colours
in which the author has painted the various
characters in the story, and the sentiments
which he has attributed to them, retain, and
will ever retain, their original freshness. One
reads and re-reads the pages where he describes
the base jealousy of the Duchess ; her utilitarian
conception of the love by which she tries to
allure the brave Knight ; her influence over her
weak husband, unable to sleep as soon as she
has persuaded him that one of his vassals has
threatened his honour, and equally unable to
keep a secret when his wife turns her back
6 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
upon him in bed ; those, again, where both the
cleverness and the artlessness of the Chatelaine
stand out ; those where, in her pathetic agony,
she pours forth bitter regrets, which soon give
place to a sad resignation, to end in a last
thought of pardon for him whose treachery has
killed her ; those where the character of the
Knight is portrayed by his uprightness and by
his want of tact, as well as by his hesitation
between the loss of his mistress and that of his
honour ; and those, finally, where so openly, so
innocently, and so intelligently, the little dumb
messenger carries, on his four paws, the hopes
of the two lovers.
Is this little romance as true to fact as it is
realistic ? M. Gaston Raynaud tells us in the
following words what he feels on this point,
when he says : " The poet, writing after the
event, has dramatised the story of a great scandal
at the Court of Burgundy between 1267 and
J
INTRODUCTION 7
1272, a scandal in which Hugo IV., Beatrice of
Champagne, and Laura of Lorraine certainly
played a part" [Romania^ xxi. p. 153). This
suggestion is interesting, but as the romance
was written about the year 1280, according to
M. Gaston Paris (see his Litter ature fran^aise du
moyen age^ second edition, p. 253), or between
1282 and 1288 in the opinion of M. Raynaud,
the author must have been a contemporary of
the personages alluded to, and thus it is hardly
conceivable that he should have ventured to
take such liberties with current events as he
must have done if he was recording the scandal
alluded to. He must have known, in common
with every one else in Burgundy at the time,
that Hugo IV. died in 1272 at St. James of
Compostella, and yet he tells us that " he went
on a crusade beyond the sea, from whence he re~
turned not^ for there he became a Templar."
Still less comprehensible is it that he should
8 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
have ventured to place the date of Laura of
Lorraine's death at least ten years earlier than
the actual date, w^hich must necessarily have
been after 1281, as in that year, as we learn
from Du Chesne's Histoire de la Maison de
Vergy^ she did homage to Otho, Count of
Burgundy, on the Tuesday after the Feast of
St. Bartholomew, for her dower of the Seignory
of St. Autrey. And last of all, it is incon-
ceivable that he should have represented Hugo
IV. as having killed Beatrice of Champagne,
whose death only occurred in 1295, i.e. twenty-
three years after Hugo IV. had quitted this
world, and thirteen years (or, if we admit the
terminus ad quern given by M. Raynaud, pos-
sibly only seven years) after the story was
written. These strong objections against the
value of this historical estimate of the story lead
us to suppose that the author, who, as we gather
from a few peculiarities of the dialect to which
INTRODUCTION 9
his work belongs, was a Burgundian, was writing
for a Burgundian public, and was naturally
induced to choose the names of Vergi and
Burgundy on account of the personal interest
which he himself took in his, and which he
thought his countrymen would take in their,
own province, as well as on account of the
pleasure it would give to all Burgundians to find
an interesting story connected with scenes
familiar to them.
The poem has come down to us in eight
MSS. of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries,
and seven of the fifteenth and sixteenth cen-
turies. Ten of these are in Paris. They are
all in the Bibliotheque Nationale, and bear the
following numbers : — 375 (written in 1288),
780 (end of the fifteenth century), 837 (end of
the thirteenth century), 1555 (fourteenth cen-
tury), 2136 (fourteenth century), and 2236
(fifteenth century), 4531 (beginning of the
10 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
fourteenth century), 152 19 (sixteenth century),
25545 (thirteenth century), and Moreau 17 19
(an eighteenth-century copy of a MS. of the
end of the thirteenth or beginning of the
fourteenth century).
The Municipal Library at Valenciennes pos-
sesses one MS., No. 398 (fifteenth century), and
there is one in the Royal Library at Berlin,
Hamilton 257 (end of the thirteenth century),
one in the Library at Hamburg (middle of the
fifteenth century), and one in the Bodleian
Library, 445 (second half of the fifteenth cen-
tury). It is difficult to classify these MSS.
strictly, and hitherto it has only been possible
satisfactorily to edit the Chatelaine of Vergi from
the earliest ones.
The first edition is the result ot the labours
of M^on in 1808, and appeared in vol. iv. oi Fa-
bliaux et Contes, pp. 296 to 326. It only takes
into account the MSS. 375, 837, and 25545.
INTRODUCTION ii
The second edition appeared in 1892, in vol.
xxi. of the Romania, M. Gaston Raynaud, to
establish his text, made use of the thirteenth and
fourteenth century MSS. only. None of these
MSS. are derived immediately from the original
text. They all contain, indeed, one error v^hich
seems to throw a new light upon their common
origin. They all have, in verse 393, "le
chevalier," instead of " le chienet." This shows
that they must be referred back to some earlier
MS., where the abbreviation ck* had been already
wrongly interpreted as signifying what it usually
does. Chevalier^ whereas in this instance it ought
to have received an entirely different rendering,
namely Chienet,
In addition to an ably edited text, M. Ray-
naud's edition contains an introduction which
gives the most complete information about the
early MSS., the transcripts, and the popularity of
this romance, and one cannot do better than
12 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
refer the reader to it. Above all, he will find
portrayed there, by a master-hand, the fate that
befell this story from the end of the thirteenth
century onwards. He will see how the Lady of
Vergi became, as early as the fourteenth century,
the Lady of Vergier, and how she was con-
founded, at the end of the eighteenth century,
with the heroine of a romance which enjoyed
the greatest success in the Middle Ages — the
Chatelain ofCouc't. The success of the Chatelaine
of f^ergi was considerable. It was copied and
translated in France, and in other places abroad.
The poem was so much in vogue, that it comes
down to us, as mentioned already, in as many
as fifteen MSS.
In the fourteenth century a Netherlandish
edition, in verse, appeared, printed straight from
the original French, says M. Raynaud, and
this became the source of a popular version
printed for the first time at Antwerp about 1550,
INTRODUCTION 13
and reprinted at Amsterdam in the seventeenth
century. In France some unknown writer
revived it, about 1540, in a new form, under
the title of Livre (T amours du chevalier et de la
dame chastellaine du Vergier comprenant Festat de
leur amour et comment elk fut continuiejusques a la
mort.
Marguerite of Navarre hardly did more than
translate it into prose in the seventieth tale,
seventh day of the Heptameron. Bandello re-
produced, in part iv. of his Novelky and almost
without change, Marguerite of Navarre's version.
Francois de Belleforest retranslated into French
Bandello's story, and it forms No. 84 of his
Histoires tragiques de Bandello, In the eighteenth
century it became a work of pure fiction, from
the pen of M. de Vignacourt, in La Co?ntesse de
Fergi^ nouvelle historique^ galante et tragique^ and
from that of an anonymous writer who pub-
lished in 1766 La Comtesse de Fergi et Raoul de
14 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
Couciy ^poux et amans fidiles^ histoires vhitabUy
galante et tragique.
Paper and parchment did not suffice to tell
the story of the Chatelaine of Vergi ; ivory
also was used to perpetuate its memory. An
ivory casket of the fourteenth century, now in
Case F in the Mediaeval Room in the British
Museum, represents the various episodes of the
story with great accuracy. It is from this
casket that the illustrations accompanying this
translation have been taken. The finish of de-
tail, and the nalivet6 and variety of the figures,
are remarkable, as is also the harmonious group-
ing of the individuals represented. This casket
differs very little from another one in the
Louvre (noticed in M. Emile Molinier's Cata-
logue du Musie du Louvre\ which also has great
artistic value, and likewise dates from the four-
teenth century. The only difference between
the two is to be found in the addition of a
INTRODUCTION 15
scene which is only represented on the Louvre
casket, the eighteenth compartment of which
shows the Duke, after beheading the Duchess
with his sword, kneeh'ng before an ecclesiastic,
by whom he is being blessed and presented
with a cross.
There are also various fragments of caskets in
existence which represent the same subject (see
Le Catalogue de F Exposition retrospective de Part
fran^ais au Trocadho^ in 1889, p. 18, Nos. 122
and 123), and which prove the favour in which
the poem was held.
Our personal researches in the " Salle des
estampes " of the Bibliotheque Nationale, and
in several other places, have not put us on the
track of any other documents inspired by the
Chatelaine of ^ergi. There must, however, be
others. On tapestries particularly this legend
must often have been represented, and we hope
that some reader, fond of archaeological research,
1 6 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
will be induced to follow up the search in other
directions, and not be discouraged by the failure
of our own efforts.
In conclusion, our sincerest thanks are due
to all those who have been so good as to give
us their aid : to the late M. Gaston Paris, to
Messrs. Picot and Paul Meyer, and above all
to M. Gaston Raynaud, who, with his habitual
courtesy, has given permission for the repro-
duction of the text of the poem which he
published in the Romania^ and in which repro-
duction only a few modifications of his text
have been introduced, the only one of any
importance being the one in verse 393 alluded
to above.
L. BRANDIN.
TRANSLATION
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
QOME there are who make pretence to be
loyal, and so truly to keep secret that which
is confided to them, that in the end trust is put
in them. But when it happens that any one has
been so indiscreet as to let them know of his
love and of his doings, forthwith they noise it
abroad, and make merry over it. And thus it
comes to pass that he who has made known the
secret, loses all delight, since the greater the
love between true lovers, the more grieved are
they when either thinks that that which should
have been kept secret, has been made known
by the other. And ofttimes does such mischief
come of it, that their love must needs end in
19
20 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
great sorrow and shame, as it chanced in
Burgundy to a valiant and brave Knight, and to
the Lady of Vergi, v^^hom the Knight loved so
well, that the Lady gave him her love on this
condition, that whensoever he should discover
unto another their love, on that day would he
lose her love, and the gift which she had made
to him of herself. And to enjoy their love, they
devised for the Knight to come alway into an
orchard when she should appoint, and in nowise
to stir from one corner of it until he had seen
a little dog cross the orchard. Then without
tarrying might he come to her chamber, and
know well that he would find his lady alone.
Thus, unknown to any, did their sweet and
secret love longwhile dure. The knight was
handsome and brave, and by reason of his valour
he was in favour with the Duke who ruled
Burgundy. And ofttimes did he go to the
Court, and so oft went he, that the Duchess
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 21
conceived a love for him, and made such show^
of her love, that had not his heart been else-
where, readily w^ould he indeed have perceived
from her look that she loved him. But no
response did the Knight make to all her tender
glances, nor did he perceive that she loved him,
and because of this she was sore vexed, and, on
a day, thus spake she to him : " Sire, you are
handsome and brave, so say all, God be thanked,
and thus you have rightly deserved to have for
friend one of so high rank that honour and
advantage may come to you of it. How well
would such a friend become you ! "
" My lady," said he, " never have I yet
given thought to this."
" By my faith," said she, " meseemeth a long
waiting may be harmful to you. So I counsel
you that you may bear yourself friendly in a
certain high place if that you would be well
loved there."
22 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
And he made answer : " By my faith, my
lady, I know not wherefore you speak thus, or the
purport of your words, neither am I Duke or
Count to have right to love in so high a place,
and, moreover, in nowise could I win the love
of so sovereign a lady even if I made great
endeavour thereto."
" You have, perchance," said she. " There has
happened many a greater marvel, and the like
may happen again. Tell me if you do not now
know that I have given you my love, I who
am a lady of high degree."
And forthwith the Knight made answer :
" My lady, I know it not, but I would desire to
possess your love in a right and honourable way.
But may God preserve me from that love between
you and me which would bring shame to my
lord, for by no means would I in anywise under-
take aught so dishonourable as to cause base and
disloyal wrong to my rightful and liege lord."
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 23
" For shame ! " said she, wrathful. " And
who, Sir Knave, asked this of you ? "
" Ah, my lady," said he, " I well understand,
thank God, but I have said enough."
And no more did she hold speech with him,
but in her heart she was very wroth and much
cast down, and she thought within herself that
if she could, certes she would be avenged of him,
for she was much an-angered. And that night,
as she lay beside the Duke, she began to sigh, and
then to weep. And forthwith the Duke asked
of her what ailed her, and bade her straightway
tell him. Then said she : " Truly it greatly
grieves me that a noble lord knows not who
is faithful to him, and who is not, and, more-
over, bestows goodwill and honour on those
who are traitors to him, though he perceives
it not."
" By my faith, lady," said the Duke, " I know
not wherefore you speak thus, but of this I am
24 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
quit, for by no means would I wittingly nourish
a traitor."
"Then hate this one," said she (and she
named unto him the Knight), " who has ceased
not the whole day long to pray me for my
love. Longtime, said he, had he thought on
this, but ne'er had he dared utter it. And I
was resolved, good sire, to make it known unto
you, for it may be true that he has longwhiles
thought on this, for never have we heard tell
that he loves another. So I pray you, in re-
quital, to protect your honour, since you know
this to be right."
And the Duke, to whom this seemed very
grievous, made answer : " This shall I settle,
and that, I bethink me, right soon."
And that night the Duke was ill at ease, and
had no sleep because of the Knight, whom he
loved, since he believed that he had done him
such wrong as to have justly forfeited his love.
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 25
And all that night he lay awake. And on the
morrow he arose early, and sent for him whom
his wife had caused him to hate, albeit he had
done no wrong. And as soon as they were
alone together he said : " Truly is it distressful
to think that you are so brave and sp handsome,
and yet without loyalty. In this have you
much deceived me, for longwhile have I thought
you faithful and loyal, at least to me, for I have
loved you. I know not how so traitorous a
thought could have come to you as to ask of
the Duchess her love. Such treachery have you
committed, that naught more villainous could be
conceived. Quit my territory forthwith, for
certes I banish you from it, and wholly forbid
and deny it unto you. Never enter it more,
and know well that if ever I chance to catch
you in it, I will have you hanged."
And when the Knight heard this, he was filled
v/ith anger and vexation, so that he trembled in
26 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
every limb when he thought on his Love, of
whom he knew that he could have no joy if
that he could not go to and fro, and return to
the country whence the Duke would banish
him ; and great dole made he also that the
Duke should unjustly hold him for a disloyal
traitor. And he was in such sore trouble, that
he thought of himself as dead and as betrayed.
" Sire," said he, " for God's sake never believe,
or even think, that I have ever been so daring.
Certes, never have I for a single day or a single
hour thought on that with the which you so
wrongfully charge me. Whosoever has told
this unto you, has done evil."
" Naught will it avail you to deny it," said
the Duke. "Without doubt it is the truth.
The lady herself has made known to me the
way in which, like a vile traitor, you have be-
sought her, and perchance you have said that to
her of the which she keeps silence."
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 27
And the Knight, sore grieved, made answer :
"My lady has said what it pleases her, and it
avails me not to gainsay her. Naught that I
may say can profit me, nor is there aught that I
can do by the which I may be believed that this
has never happened."
" On my soul that is so," said the Duke, who
thought on his wife, for verily he felt well
assured that she had said truly that never had
one heard tell that the Knight loved another.
Then said he to the Knight: "If you will
swear to me on your fealty that you will truly
make answer to me in that which I shall ask of
you, by your words I shall know of a certainty
whether or no you have done that of the which
I have suspicion against you."
And the Knight, who desired greatly to turn
away his lord from the undeserved anger which
he bare him, and who feared such loss as to quit
the country where was the one who gave him
28 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
most joy, replied that without demur he would
do as the Duke had said, for he thought not but
on that which disquieted the Duke, and in
nowise did he bethink him that the Duke would
question him touching any other matter. And
thus he took his oath, and the Duke accepted
his plighted word.
And thereupon the Duke said to him : " Know
in very truth that I have so loved you heretofore
with all my heart, that I could in nowise believe
of you such baseness or such villany as the
Duchess has told unto me, and not a whit
should I hold it as true if this did not make me
believe it, and put me in sore doubt, when I
observe your demeanour and countenance, and
other things beside, by the which it can be
known full well* that you love some one, who-
ever it may be ; and as, moreover, it is not
known to any one the maiden or the lady whom
you love, I bethink me that it may be my wife.
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 29
who has told to me that you have besought her
love. Thus I cannot be persuaded by aught
that any one may say that this is not so, unless
you make known to me that you so love another,
that you leave me altogether without doubt that
I know the whole truth. And if this you will
not do, then forthv/ith shall you depart out of
my territory as a perjured man."
And the Knight wist not what to do, for he
was put to so difficult a choice, that either way
he would lose. If he spake the simple truth,
the which he must needs do without he per-
jured himself, he held himself as lost, for if he
did so great wrong as to break the condition
which he had with his lady and his love, of a
surety he would lose her were she to discover it,
and if he told not the truth to the Duke, then
would he be a perjured man, and a breaker of
his faith, and he would lose both his country
and his Love. But naught would he trouble
30 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
about his country if that he kept his Love, whom
above all he feared to lose.
And when he had called to mind the great
joy and the solace that he had had in her em-
brace, he thought thus unto himself, that if he
did her any hurt, and if by his wrongdoing he
lost her, since he could not take her with him,
how could he dure without her ? It was with
him as with the Chatelain of Couci, who having
in remembrance only his Love, said in a verse
of one of his songs : —
Pardie, Love, cruel is the remembrance
Now of that sweet solace and company
And joy mine eyes had in the countenance
Of her who was both fellow and friend to me.
When I think on her simple courtesy,
And the sweet words that she was wont to say,
How can my heart endure in my body ?
Certes, it is an evil thing to stay.
And in such anguish was the Knight, that
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 31
he wot not whether to make known the truth,
or to lie and leave the country.
And whilst he thus pondered, and knew not
the which would be the better for him, hot
tears came into his eyes, and ran down his
cheeks, because of the anguish which possessed
him, so that his face was quite wet. And the
Duke was heavy at heart, for he thought within
himself that something there was that the
Knight dared not discover unto him. And he
said, in haste to the Knight : " I see well that
you do not trust in me as much as you should.
Bethink you that if you privily tell me your
secret, I shall make it known unto any one ?
Certes, before doing this, I would let my teeth
be pulled out one by one."
"Ah !" made answer the Knight, "God's
mercy on me, sire, I wot not what I should say
or what will happen to me, but rather would I
die than lose her whom I should lose if I told
\
32 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
unto you the truth, and she came to know that,
whilst I yet lived, I had confessed it."
Then said the Duke : " I swear to you on my
body, and on my soul, and on the love and faith
that I owe to you in return for your homage,
that in all my life it shall neither be told by me
to any living creature, nor shall allusion of any
kind be made thereto."
And the Knight, weeping, said to him :
" Sire, then will I tell it to you. I love your
niece of Vergi, and she loves me, as much as is
possible."
" Tell me now, if you would be believed,"
said the Duke. " Knows no one save you two
of this?"
And the Knight answered him, '* Not a living
creature."
Then said the Duke : " This can never be !
In what manner, then, do you come to her, and
how know you the place and the time ? "
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 33
" By my faith, sire," said he, " that will I tell
you forthwith, without concealing aught, since
you know thus much of our affair." And then
he recounted unto him all his goings to and fro,
and the prior compact, and the behaviour of the
little dog.
Then said the Duke : "I demand of you
your consent that, at your next tryst, I be your
companion, and go with you to this place, for I
would know without delay that all is so, and my
niece will know naught of it."
" Sire," said the Knight, " willingly do I con-
sent to this provided it will not give you trouble
or weary you, and know forsooth that I go this
very night."
And the Duke said that he would go, and
that in nowise would it weary him, but would
be to him a solace and a pleasure. And together
they devised where they could fitly meet.
And as soon as it was nightfall, as the place
i
34 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
where the Duke's niece dwelt was nigh at hand,
they betook them thither until they were come
to the garden, and there the Duke waited not
long ere he saw his niece's little dog come to
the corner of the orchard, where it found the
Knight, who made much ado over it. And the
Knight at once left the Duke, and went his way.
And the Duke followed after him close to the
chamber, and there remained quite still. And he
concealed himself as he best could. And by a
lofty and spreading tree, well fitted to screen
him, he was hidden as by a shield. And from
there he saw the little dog enter the chamber,
and then saw his niece come forth and go towards
the Knight in the meadow, and he saw and
heard the greeting she gave him by joyfully
calling to him, -and waving her hand. And she
clasped him in her fair arms, and kissed him
more than an hundred times ere they held
converse together. And the Knight kissed
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 35
her oft, and clasped her in his arms and said to
her : " My lady, my love, my friend, my heart,
my mistress, my hope, and all that I love,
know that I have greatly hungered to be v^^ith
you, even as I am now^, since last I saw you."
And she answered him : "My sweet lord
and friend, and my dear love, never has a day
or an hour passed that I have not wearied of
the delay. But now naught troubles me, for
I have by me all that I desire as you are well
and content. May you be very happy ! "
And the Knight said : " May you be
welcome ! "
And the Duke, who was crouching down
quite close to them at the door, heard all, and
so well were the voice and the manner of his
niece known to him, that no longer was he in
doubt, and he determined that that which the
Duchess had told unto him was false, and
greatly was he pleased, for now he saw well
36 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
that the Knight had wronged him not in such
manner as he had had suspicion of him.
And there remained he all the night, whilst
the Lady and the Knight were in the chamber
in a bed, and, without sleeping, had such
happiness and solace one of another, that it is
but fitting that no one should speak of it, or
give heed to it, who expects not to have that
joy which love gives for reward to those who
love truly ; for he who expects not such joy,
naught does he understand when he hears tell
of it, since he has not his heart set towards love,
for none can in anywise know of what worth
is such joy if love has not made it known to
him. And this happiness comes by no means
to all, for it is a joy without bitterness, as
well as a solace and a delight. But to the lover
it seems to last but a short while, and that it
will never dure long enough. And so pleasing
to him is the life he leads, that he would that
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 37
the night were a week, and that the week were
a month, and the month a year, and the year
three years, and three years twenty, and twenty
years an hundred. And when it is ended, he
would that the night should come over again
before the day break.
In suchwise pondered he whom the Duke
awaited. But it behoved him to depart ere
break of day, and his Love came with him to the
door. And as they took leave one of another,
the Duke saw kisses given, and kisses returned,
and he heard deep sighs and weeping as they
bade each other farewell. Then many tears
were shed, and the Duke heard them name the
time when they should again meet there. Thus
did the Knight depart, and the lady closed the
door. But as long as she could see him, she
followed him with her beautiful eyes, since
naught beside could she do.
And when the Duke saw that the door was
I
38 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
closed, he forthwith went his way until he was
come up with the Knight, who complained
unto himself that too shortwhile for him had
the night dured. And she from whom he had
parted thought and spake in like manner, for it
seemed to her that the night had been too short
for her delight, and she welcomed not the
dawn.
Thus thought and spake the Knight as the
Duke came up with him and embraced him,
and made much ado over him. Then said the
Duke to him : " I swear to you that ever hence-
forth I shall love you, and never again shall I
harry you, for all that you have told unto me
is true, and you have not lied by one word
unto me."
" Sire," said the Knight, " I pray you thanks.
But by the grace of God, I demand and pray of
you that you disclose not this secret, else shall
I lose my Love, and all joy and comfort, and
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 39
without doubt I shall die if I know that another
than you have knowledge of it."
" Speak not of it," said the Duke, " and know
that it will be so well kept secret, that no word
of it shall ever be uttered by me."
And thus communing, they came to the place
whence they had set out. And that day, when
they were met to eat, the Duke looked more
kindly at the Knight than ever before, and
indeed so filled with anger and mortification at
this was the Duchess, that she arose from the
table, and feigned to be overcome of sickness,
and she went to lay her down on her bed,
where she had little delight. And the Duke,
when he had well feasted, and washed, straight-
way went to her, and made her to sit up on her
bed, and commanded that none save himself
should remain in the chamber. And forthwith
it was done as he commanded.
And the Duke at once asked of her how this
40 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
sickness had come to her, and what ailed her.
And she made answer : " My God ! never
until now, wlien I sat me down to eat, did I
suspect that you had not in you more of sense
and reason than I perceived when you treated
as more dear to you than ever, him who I have
told you has sought to shame and humiliate me ;
and when I saw that you looked on him more
kindly even than afore, such great sorrow and
anger took possession of me, that no longer
could I stay."
" Ah, sweet friend ! " said the Duke, " know
that never shall I believe, either of you or any
other, that ever by any chance has that happened
of the which you have told me, for I wot well
that he is wholly quit of it, and that he never
took thought to" do this. Thus much have I
learnt of his affair. So inquire not further of
me concerning this."
And thereupon the Duke left her, and she
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 41
remained very pensive, for never a day that she
lived would she have an hour's peace until she
had learnt more of that of the which the Duke
had forbidden her to question him ; and now no
prohibition could restrain her, for a ruse suggested
itself unto her by the which she could of a
certainty know all if she but waited patiently
until the night, when she had the Duke in her
embrace. Well knew she that without doubt
such solace would win her her desire better than
aught else. Therefore for this she waited, and
when the Duke was come to bed, she withdrew
to one side. And she made pretence that it
gave her no joy that the Duke should be beside
her, for well knew she that to make semblance
of anger was the way to make her husband
yield. Therefore thus did she remain, that she
might the better make the Duke believe that
she was much an-angered. And as soon as he
had kissed her, she said : " Very false and
42 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
treacherous and disloyal are you, who make
show of love for me, and yet have never loved
me for a single day. Longwhile have I been
so foolish as to believe you when you have
oft-times told me that you loved me with a
loyal heart ; but now I well sec that in this I
have been deceived."
And the Duke said : " In what manner ? "
"By my faith," said she, filled with evil
longing, "already have you enjoined that I
adventure not to make inquiry concerning that
which you are now so well acquainted with."
" In God's name, of what are you thinking ? "
" Of that which that man has related unto
you," said she, "and the lies and the deceits
which he has made you give heed to and to
believe. But no desire have I to know of this,
for of little worth do I deem it to love you with
a loyal heart ; for whether it was for good or ill,
never did I see or hear aught which I did not
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 43
make known to you at once. And now I see
that, of your grace, you hide from me your
own thoughts. Therefore know, without
doubt, that never more shall I have such trust
in you, or such love of you, as I have had
heretofore."
Then began the Duchess to weep and
to sigh, and she made as much ado as she
could. And such pity had the Duke for
her, that he said to her : " My sweet friend,
by lio means can I endure your anger or your
wrath ; but know that I cannot tell you that
which you desire without committing too great
villainy."
And at once she made answer : "Sire, if you
tell it not to me, then from this I see well that
apparently you trust me not to keep your secret.
And know that I much marvel at this, for never
has any secret, either great or small, that you
have told me, been made known by me, and
i
44 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
I tell you in good faith that never, whiles I live,
will this come to pass."
And when she had thus spoken, she again
wept. And the Duke embraced and kissed her,
and so ill at ease was his mind, that no longer
could he resist his desire to discover unto her
the secret. Wherefore he said to her : " By my
soul, dear lady, I know not what to do, for so
great trust have I in you, that I believe me it is
not right to hide from you aught that I have
knowledge of; but greatly do I fear that you
will repeat it. Know then, and I now fore-
warn you, that if you betray me, you shall die
for it."
And she said : " Wholly do I agree to this.
It cannot be that I should do you any wrong."
Then he who loved her, for that he believed
her, and thought within himself that she spake
truly unto him, related unto her all the story of
his niece, even as he had learnt it from the
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 45
Knight, and how that he was in a corner of the
orchard where only they two were, when the
little dog came to them. And he told her truly
of her coming out, and of their going in together,
and kept back from her naught of that which he
had seen and heard. And when the Duchess
heard that the Knight loved one of lower rank,
and for this had rejected her, she seemed to
herself as dead and despised, but never did she
let this be seen, but agreed, and made promise
to the Duke, to keep the matter secret, and that
if it should be made known by her, then might
he hang her up to a branch.
And she longed greatly to have speech with
her whom she hated from that hour when she
learnt that she was the Love of him who had
brought on her both shame and grief, because
he would not, so she thought, be her own
Love. And she firmly resolved that if at any
time, or in any place, she saw the Duke speak
46 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
with his niece, at once would she herself speak
with her, and would not keep back that in
which there would be felony. But never did
this chance until the time of Pentecost was come,
at the first feast when the Duke held plenary
Court, to the which he sent to summon all the
ladies of the land, and, before all, his niece, who
was chatelaine of Vergi.
And as soon as the Duchess sav/ her, immedi-
ately all her blood was stirred within her, since
she hated her more than all else in the world.
But she knew how to hide her feelings, and
welcomed her more graciously than ever she
had done aforetime. But very greatly did she
long to speak of that which so much an-angered
her, and the delay grieved her much. And on
the day of Pentecost, when the tables were
removed, the Duchess led the ladies aside to her
chamber to deck them for to appear quaintly
dressed at the carole. Then the Duchess, who
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 47
perceived her opportunity, could not restrain
herself, and said, as though in a jest : " Chate-
laine, make you very quaint, for you have as
acquaintance a handsome and brave lover."
And she made answer simply : " Of a
truth, my lady, I know^ not what acquaintance
you have in mind, but I desire not to have
for lover any one who may not be in all
things to mine own honour, and to that of
my lord."
"Right well do I grant this," said the
Duchess, " but you are a clever mistress to have
learned how to train the little dog."
And the ladies heard what was said, but knew
not to what it referred. And then they went
with the Duchess to the caroles which were
going on.
And the Chatelaine remained behind. And
her heart was filled with anguish, and she paled
and wholly changed colour. And she withdrew
48 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
into an inner chamber where lay a handmaiden
at the foot of the bed, though she could not see
her. And the Chatelaine, grieving sorely, sank
down on to the bed, and made complaint and
lamentation unto herself, and said : " Alas, my
God, have pity on me ! How comes it that I
have heard my lady reproach me in that I have
made use of my little dog ? That, as I well
know, she can have learned from no one save
from him whom I loved, and who has betrayed
me. Never could he have told it unto her were
it not that they have had close acquaintance,
and that, since that he has betrayed me, he
doubtless loves her more than he does me !
Well do I now perceive that he loves me not
at all since he fails in his oath to me. Dear
God ! I loved him as much as any one could
love another, and not an hour of the day or of
the night could I think of any other. For he
was my joy and my pleasure, he was my delight
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 49
and my happiness, he was my solace and my
comfort. How I ever thought on him even
when I saw him not ! Ah, my Love ! how has
this come to pass ? What can have chanced
to you since you have been false to me ? I
bethought me, God bless me ! that you would
be more loyal to me than was Tristram to
Isoud. I loved you, may God have pity on me !
far more than I did myself. Never at any time
have I been guilty in thought, word, or deed,
be it great or small, for the which you should
hate me, or so basely betray me, as to set at
naught our love to love another, and to forsake
me and discover our secret. Alas, my Love !
greatly do I marvel, for my heart, so help me
God ! was never thus toward you ; for if all the
world, and even all His heaven and His Paradise,
had been given to me by God, I would not have
taken them if for them I had had to lose you,
for you were my strength and my life and my
b
50 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
joy, and naught could have wounded me so
much as that my sad heart should know that
yours no longer loved me. Ah, wondrous love !
Who would have thought that he could do me
hurt who said, when he was with me, and I
did my utmost to do all his pleasure, that he
was all mine, and that he held me as his lady
both in body and soul ? And so sweetly did he
say it unto me, that verily I believed him, nor
could I in any way have thought that, for the
sake of either Duchess or Queen, he could find
in his heart anger and hatred against me ; for
such delight was it to love him, that I took his
heart to mine own, and moreover I thought of
him that he would be my friend all his life long,
for well I knew in my heart that if he had died
before me, so much did I love him, little while
after him could I have dured. Better were it for
me to be dead with him, than to live, if I could
never see him more. Ah, wondrous love ! Is it
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 51
right, then, that he has made known our secret,
by the which he loses me ? When I freely
gave him my love, I said to him, and truly made
covenant with him, that whensoever he made
known our love, he would lose me. And as
now I have lost him, I cannot live after such
sorrow, nor without him for whom I mourn,
do I desire so to do. No longer have I any
pleasure of my life, and so I pray God to send
me death, and that as, in very truth, I have
loyally loved him who has so repaid me, He
may have pity on my soul, and grant that honour
may come to him who has wrongfully betrayed
me and delivered me over unto death, and I
pardon him. And my death, meseemeth, is
sweet since it comes from him, and when I
have in remembrance his love, it grieves me not
to die for him."
Then the Chatelaine ceased speaking, save to
say with a sigh, " Sweet friend, I commend you
52 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
to God." And at these words she clasped her
arms tightly together, and her heart failed her,
and her face changed colour, and she swooned
with anguish, and lay dead in the middle of the
bed, pale and without colour.
But her Love, who amused himself in the
hall at the carole and the dance, knew naught
of this, but naught that he saw there gave him
pleasure since he saw not her to whom he had
given his heart, at the which he marvelled
greatly. And he whispered to the Duke :
"Sire, how comes it that your niece so long
while remains away, and comes not to the
carole ? I know not whether you have sent
her to prison ! "
And the Duke, who had not noticed this,
cast a glance at • the carole, and then he took
the Knight by the hand, and straightway re-
paired to the chamber. And when he found
her not there, he commanded and counselled
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 53
the Knight to seek her in the inner chamber,
for he willed it in suchwise so that they might
have solace one of another with embraces and
kisses. And the Knight, who was very grateful
to him for this, entered the inner chamber
where his Love lay on her back on the bed,
livid and without colour. And having oppor-
tunity for this, and pleasure in it, he forthwith
clasped her in his arms, and kissed her, but he
found that her mouth was cold, and that she
was all pale and stiff, and from her appearance
he saw well that she was quite dead. And at
once, all aghast, he cried out : " What is it,
alas ? Is my Love dead ? "
And the handmaiden who lay at the foot of
the bed hasted to him and said : " Sire, verily
do I believe that she is dead, for since she came
here, she has done naught but torment herself
because of the anger of her Love, and a little
dog, about the which my lady had harassed
54 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
and taunted her, the trouble of which has killed
her."
And when the Knight heard that the words
which he had spoken to the Duke had killed
her, without measure was he discomforted.
" Alas, my sweet Love ! " said he, " the most
courteous and the best and the most loyal that
ever was, as a disloyal traitor I have caused
your death. It would be just that on me
should have fallen this fate, and that no ill
should have come to you. But you had so
loyal a heart, that you have taken it before-
hand upon yourself. But I shall do justice
upon myself because of the treachery that I
have committed."
And then he drew from its sheath a sword
that hung upon a nail, and ran it through his
heart, and he fell on the other body, and so
much did he bleed, that he died.
And the handmaiden rushed forth when she
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 55
saw the lifeless bodies. Dismayed was she at
what she saw. And to the Duke, whom she
met, she told all that she had heard and seen,
and kept back from him naught of how the
affair began, and also of the little trained dog
about which the Duchess had spoken.
Then was the Duke mad with rage. And
straightway he entered the chamber, and drew
out of the body of the Knight the sword with
the which he had killed himself. Then, with-
out making further inquiry, he at once went
with great haste straight to the carole. And
forthwith he went to the Duchess, and made
good his promise to her, and without uttering a
word, struck her on the head with the naked
sword which he held, so wrathful was he. And
the Duchess fell at his feet in the sight of all
those of the land, and thereat the knights who
were assembled there were sore distressed, after
that they had had great joy. And then the
56 THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI
Duke, in the hearing of all who would hear it,
told the whole affair before all the Court.
And none were there who did not weep,
above all when they saw the two lovers who
were dead, as well as the Duchess. And the
Court separated in mourning and anger and
sorry confusion. And on the morrow the
Duke caused the lovers to be buried in one
grave, and the Duchess in another place. But
from this adventure he had such sorrow, that
never again was he heard to laugh. And forth-
with he went on a crusade beyond the sea, from
whence he returned not, for there he became a
Templar.
Ah, God ! All this distress and trouble came
to the Knight because he so mischanced as to
make known that" which he ought to have kept
secret, and which his Love had forbidden him
to speak of so long as he would possess her
love.
THE CHATELAINE OF VERGI 57
And from this example one ought to keep
secret one^s love with such great judgment, that
one may always have in remembrance that to
discover it avails naught, and that to hide it is
of profit in every way. Whosoever does this,
fears not the attacks of false and inquisitive
felons who pry into the loves of others.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
i
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
T TNE maniere de gent sont
^^ Qui d'estre loial samblant font
Et de si bien conseil celer
QuMl se covient en aus fier ; 4
Et quant vient qu'aucuns s'i descuevre
Tant qu'il sevent Tamor et Tuevre,
Si Tespandent par le pais
Et en font lor gas et lor ris ; 8
Si avient que cil joie en pert
Qui le conseil a descouvert,
Quar tant com I'amor est plus grant
Sont plus mari li fin amant, 12
Quant li uns d'aus de Tautre croit
Qu'il ait dit ce que celer doit ;
63
64 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Et sovent tel meschief en vient
Que Tamor faillir en covient i6
A grant dolor et a vergoingne,
Si comme I'l avint en Borgoingne
D'un chevalier preu et hardi
Et de la dame de Vergi 20
Que li chevaliers tant ama
Que la dame li otria
Par itel couvenant s'amor
Qu*il seUst qu'a Teure et au jor 24
Que par lui seroit descouverte
Lor amor, qu'il i avroit perte
Et de Tamor et de Totroi
Qu'ele li avoit fet de soi. 28
Et, a cele amor otroier,
Deviserent qu'en J. vergier
Li chevaliers toz jors vendroit
Au terme qu'ele li metroit, 32
Ne ne se mouvroit d'un anglet
De si que J. petit chienet
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGl 65
Verroit par le vergier aler,
Et lors venist sanz demorer 36
En sa chambre, et si seust bien
Qu'a cele cure n'i avroit rien
Fors la dame tant seulement.
Ainsi le firent longuement, 40
Et fu Tamor douce et celee,
Que fors aus ne le sot riens nee.
Li chevaliers fu biaus et cointes
Et par sa valor fu acointes 44
Au due qui Borgoingne tenoit ;
Et sovent aloit et venoit
A la cort, et tant i ala
Que la duchoise Tenama 48
Et li fist tel samblant d'amors
Que, s'il n'eiist le cuer aillors,
Bien se peiist apercevoir
Par samblant que Tamast por voir. 52
Mes quel samblant qu'el en fe'ist,
Li chevaliers samblant n'en fist,
E
66 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Que poi ne grant s'aperceiist
Qu'ele vers li amor etist,
Et tant qu'ele en ot grant anui,
Qu'ele parla .1. jor a lui
Et mist a reson par moz teus :
" Sire, vous estes biaus et preus,
Ce dient tuit, la Dieu merci :
Si avriez bien deservi
D'avoir amie en si haut leu
Qu'en eiissiez honor et preu.
Que bien vous serroit tele amie !
— Ma dame," fet il, " je n'ai mie
Encore a ce mise m'entente.
— Par foi," dist ele, "longue atente
Vous porroit nuire, ce m'est vis :
Si lo que vous soicz amis
En .1. haut leu, se vous veez
Que vous i soiez bien amez."
Cil respont : " Ma dame, par foi,
Je ne sai mie bien por qoi
I
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 67
Vous le dites ne que ce monte,
Ne je ne sui ne due ne conte 76
Que si hautement amer dole ;
Ne je ne sui mie a .II. doie
D*amer dame si souveraine,
Se je bien i metoie paine. , 80
— Si estes," fet el, " se devient :
Mainte plus grant merveille avient
Et autele avendra encore.
Dites moi se vous savez ore 84
5e je vous ai m'amor donee,
Qui sui haute dame honoree."
Et cil respont isnel le pas :
'^ Ma dame, je ne le sai pas ; 88
Mes je voudroie vostre amor
Avoir par bien et par honor.
Mes de cele amor Dieus me gart
Qu'a moi n'a vous tort cele part 92
Ou la honte mon seignor gise ;
Qu'a nul fuer ne a nule guise
68 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
N'enprendroie tel mesprison
Com de fere tel desreson 96
Si vilaine et si desloial
Vers mon droit seignor natural.
— Fi ! " fet cele qui fu marie,
" Dans musars, et qui vous en prie ? lOO
— Ha ! ma dame, por Dieu merci,
Bien le sai, mes tant vous en di."
Cele ne tint a lui plus plait,
Mes grant corouz et grant deshait 104
En ot au cuer, et si penssa,
S'ele puet, bien s'en vengera :
Si fu ele forment irie.
La nuit, quant ele fu couchie 108
Jouste le due, a souspirer
Commenga et puis a plorer,
Et li dus errant li demande
Que c'est qu'ele a, et li commande 112
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 69
Qu'ele li die maintenant :
"Certes," fait ele, "j'ai duel grant
De ce que ne set nus hauz horn
Qui foi li porte ne qui non, 116
Mes plus de bien et d'onor font
A ceus qui lor trahitor sont,
Et si ne s'en aper9oit nus.
— Par foi, dame, "fet soi li dus, 120
" Je ne sai por qoi vous le dites ;
Mes de tel chose sui je quites,
Qu'a nul fuer je ne norriroie
Trahitor, se je le savoie. 124
— Haez done," fait ele, " celui,"
S'el nomma, " qui ne fina hui
De moi proier au lone du jor
Que je li donaisse m'amor, 128
Et me dist que mout a lone tens
Qu'il a este en cest porpens ;
Onques mes ne le m'osa dire.
Et je me porpenssai, biaus sire, 132
70 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Tantost que je le vous diroie.
Et si puet estre chose vraie
Qu'il ait piega a ce pensse :
De ce qu'il a aillors ame 136
Novele oie n'en avon.
Si vous requier en guerredon
Que vostre honor si i gardoiz
Com vous savez que ce est droiz." 140
Li dus, a cui samble mout grief,
Li dist : " J'en vendrai bien a chief,
Et mout par tens, si com je cuit."
A malaise fu cele nuit 144
Li dus ; n'onques dormir ne pot
Por le chevalier qu'il amot,
Qu'il croit que cil eiist mesfait
Par droit que s'amor perdue ait ; 148
Et por ce toute nuit veilla.
L'endemain par matin leva,
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 71
Et fist celui a soi venir
Que sa fame li fet hair, 152
Sanz ce que de riens ait mespris.
Maintenant Fa a reson mis
Seul a seul, ne furent qu'eus deus :
" Certes," fait il, " ce est granz deus 156
Quant proesce avez et beaute,
Et il n'a en vous leaute !
Si m*en avez mout deceti,
Que j'ai mout longuement creii 160
Que vous fussiez de bone foi
Loiaus a tout le mains vers moi,
Que j'ai vers vous amor eiie.
Si ne sai dont vous est venue 164
Tel penssee et si trahitresse
Que proie avez la duchesse
Et requise de druerie 1
Si avez fet grant tricherie, 168
Que plus vilaine n'estuet querre.
Issiez errant hors de ma terre !
72 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Quar je vous en congie sanz doute,
Et la vous ve et desfent toute : 172
Si n'i entrez ne tant ne quant,
Que, se je des or en avant
Vous i pooie fere prendre,
Sachiez je vous feroie pendre." 176
Quant li chevaliers ce entent,
D'ire et de mautalent esprent
Si que tuit li tramblent si membre,
Que de s'amie li remembre 180
Dont il set qu'l ne puet jo'ir
Se n'est par aler et venir
Et par reperier ou pais
Dont li dus veut qu'il soit eschis ; 184
Et d'autre part li fet mout mal
Ce qu'a trahitor desloial
Le tient ses sires et a tort.
Si est en si grant desconfort 188
Qu'a mort se tient et a trahi :
" Sire," fet il, " por Dieu merci.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 73
Ne creezja ne ne penssez
Que je fusse onques si osez : 192
Ce que me metez a tort seure
Je ne penssai ne jor ne eure ;
S'a mal fet qui le vous a dit.
— Ne vous vaut riens li escondit," 196
Fet li dus, " ne point n'en i a :
Cele meisme conte m'a
En quel maniere et en quel guise
Vous I'avez proie et requise, 200
Comme trahitres envious ;
Et tel chose deYstes vous,
Puet estre, dont ele se test.
— Ma dame a dit ce que li plest," 204
Fet eel qui mout estoit marriz,
" Ne m'i vaut riens li escondiz ;
Riens ne m'i vaut que j'en deisse :
Si n'est riens que je n'en fei'sse 208
Par si que j'en fusse creii,
Quar de ce n'i a riens eii.
74 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
— Si a," ce dist li dus, " par m'ame,"
A cui il souvient de sa fame, 2I2
Car bien cuidoit por voir savoir
Que sa fame li deist voir,
C'onques n'oi que nus parlast
Que cil en autre lieu amast. 2i6
Dont dist li dus au chevalier :
" Se vous me volez afier
Par vostre leal serement
Que vous me direz vraiement 220
Ce que je vous demanderoie.
Par vostre dit certains seroie
Se vous avriiez fet ou non
Ce dont j'ai vers vous soupe^on." 224
Cil qui tout covoite et desire
A geter son seignor de Tire
Qu'il a envers li sanz deserte,
Et qui redoute tele perte 228
Comme de guerpir la contree
Ou cele est qui plus li agree.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 75
Respont qu'il tout sanz contredit
Fera ce que li dus a dit, 232
Qu'il ne pensse ne ne regarde
De ce dont li dus se prent garde,
Ne torment ne le lest pensser
Ce que li dus veut demander, 236
De riens fors de cele proiere :
Le serement en tel maniere
L'en fist, li dus la foi en prist ;
Et li dus maintenant li dist : 240
" Sachiez par fine verite
Que ce que je vous ai ame
^a en arriere de fin cuer
Ne me lesse croire a nul fuer 244
De vous tel mesfet ne tel honte
Comme la duchoise me conte,
Ne tant ne le tenisse a voire,
Se ce ne le me fe'ist croire 248
Et me meist en grant doutance
Que j'esgart vostre contenance
76 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Et de cointise et d'autre rien,
A qoi Ten puet savoir mout bien 252
Que vous amez ou que ce soit ;
Et quant d'aillors ne s'aper^oit
Nus qu'amez damoisele ou dame,
Je me pens que ce soit ma fame, 256
Qui me dist que vous la proiez.
Si nc puis estre desvoiez
Por rien que nus m'en puisse fere,
Que je croi qu'ainsi soit Tafere, 260
Se vous ne me dites qu'aillors
Amez en tel leu par amors
Que m'en lessiez sanz nule doute
Savoir en la verite toute. 264
Et se ce fere ne volez,
Comme parjurs vous en alez
Hors de ma terre sanz deloi ! "
Cil ne set.nul conseil de soi, 268
Que le geu a parti si fort
Que Pun et Tautre tient a mort ;
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 77
Quar, s'il dit la ven'te pure,
Qu'il dira s'il ne se parjure, 272
A mort se tient ; s'il mesfet tant
Qu'il trespasse le couvenant
Qu'a sa dame et a s'amie a,
II est seiirs qu'il la perdra, 276
S'ele s'en puet apercevoir ;
Et s'il ne dit au due le voir,
Parjures est et foimentie,
Et pert le pais et s'amie. 280
Mes du pais ne li chausist,
Se s'amie li remainsist
Que sor toute riens perdre orient.
Et por ce qu'ades li sovient 284
De la grant joie et du solaz
Qu'il a eti entre ses braz,
Si se pensse, s'il la messert
Et s'il par son mesfet la pert, 288
Quant o soi ne Ten puet mener,
Comment porra sanz li durer.
78 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Si est en tel point autressi
Com li chastelains de Couci, 292
Qui au cuer n'avoit s'amor non,
Et dist en .1. vers de chan9on :
Par DieUy Amors, fort rriest a comirrer
Du dous solax et de la compaingnie 296
Et des samhlan% que mi soloit moustrer
Cele qui rrCert et compaingne et amie :
Et quant regart sa simple cortoisie
Et les douz mos qua moi soloit parler, 300
Comme me puet li cuers ou cors durer P
Quant il rCen part, certes trop est mauves.
Li chevaliers en tel angoisse
Ne set se le voir li connoisse, 304
Ou il mente et lest le paYs.
Et quant il est ainsi penssis
Qu'il ne set li quels li vaut mieus,
L'eve du cuer li vient aus ieus 308
Por Tangoisse qu'il se porchace,
Et li descent aval la face,
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 79
Si qu'il en a le vis moillie.
Li dus n'en a pas le cuer lie, 312
Qui pensse qu'il i a tel chose
Que reconnoistre ne li ose.
Lors dist li dus isnel le pas :
"Bien voi que ne vous fiez pas 316
En moi tant com vous devriiez.
Cuidiez vous, se vous me disiez
Votre conseil celeement,
Que jel dei'sse a nule gent ? 320
Je me leroie avant sanz faute
Trere les denz Tun avant Tautre.
— Ha ! " fet cil, " por Dieu merci, sire,
Je ne sai que je doie dire 324
Ne que je puisse devenir,
Mes je voudroie mieus morir
Que perdre ce que je perdroie,
Se le voir dit vous en avoie, 328
Et il estoit de li sett
Que I'eusse reconneii
8o LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
A jor qui fust a mon vivant ! "
Lors dist li dus : " Je vous creant 332
Seur le cors et I'ame de moi
Et sor Tamor et sor la foi
Que je vous doi sor vostre homage,
Que ja en trestout mon eage 336
N'en ert a creature nee
Par moi novele racontee
Ne samblant fet grant ne petit."
Et cil en plorant li a dit : 340
" Sire, jel vous dirai ainsi :
J'aim vostre niece de Vergi,
Et ele moi, tant c'on puet plus.
— Or me dites done," fet li dus, 344
" Quant vous volez c'on vous en croie
Set nus fors vous dui ceste joie .?"
Et li chevaliers li respont :
" Nenil, creature del mont." 348
Et dist li dus : " Ce n'avint onques :
Comment i avenez vous donques.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 8i
Ne comment savez lieu ne tens ?
— Par foi, sire," fet cil, " par sens 352
Que je vous dirai, sanz riens tere,
Quant tant savez de nostre afere."
Lors li a toutes acontees
Ses venues et ses alees, 356
Et la couvenance premiere,
Et du petit chien la maniere.
Lors dist li dus : " Je vous requier
Que a vostre terme premier 360
Vueilliez que vostre compains soie
D'aler o vous en ceste voie,
Quar je vueil savoir sanz aloigne
Se ainsi va vostre besoingne : 364
Si n'en savra ma niece rien.
— Sire," fet il, "je I'otroi bien,
Mes qu'il ne vous griet ne anuit ;
Et sachiez bien g^irai anuit." 368
Et li dus dist qu'il i ira,
Que ja ne li anuiera,
82 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Ainz li sera solaz et geu.
Entr'aus ont devise le leu ;
Ou assembleront tout a pie.
Si tost comme fu anuitie,
Car asses pres d'iluec estoit
Ou la niece le due manoit. ;
Cele part tienent lor chemin
Tant qu'il sent venu au jardin,
Ou li dus ne fu pas grant piece,
Quant il vit le chienet sa niece ;
Qui s'en vint au bout du vergier
Ou il trova le chevalier,
Qui grant joie a fet au chienet.
Tantost a la voie se met ;
Li chevaliers, et le due lait ;
Et li dus apres lui s'en vait
Pres de la chambre et ne se muet,
Iluec s'esconsse au mieus qu'il puet : 38I
D'un arbre mout grant et mout large
S'estoit couvers com d'une targe
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 83
Et mout entent a lui celer.
D'iluec vit en la chambre entrer 392
Le chienet, et ainssy issir
Sa niece et centre lui venir
Hors de la chambre en .1. prael,
Et vit et 01 tel apel 396
Comme ele li fist par soiaz
De salut de bouche et de braz :
Et de ses biaus braz Tacola
Et plus de .C. foiz le besa 400
Ainz que fefst longue parole.
Et cil la rebese et acole,
Et li dist : " Ma dame, m'amie,
M'amor, mon cuer, ma druerie, 404
M'esperance et tout quanques j*aim,
Sachiez que j*ai e(i grant faim
D'estre o vous si comme ore i sui
Trestoz jors puis que je n*i fui." 408
Ele redist : " Mon douz seignor,
Mes douz amis, ma douce amor,
84 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Onques puis ne fu jor ne cure
Que ne m'anuiast la demeure ; 412
Mes ore de riens ne me dueil,
Car j'ai o moi ce que je vueil,
Quant si estes sains et haitiez.
Et li tres bien venuz soiez ! " 416
Et cil dist : " Et vous bien trovee ! "
Tout 01 li dus a Tentree,
Qui mout pres d'aus apoiez fu ;
Sa niece a la voiz bien connu, 420
Si bien, et a la contenance,
Qu'or en est il fors de doutance,
Et si tient de ce la duchesse
Que dit li ot a menterresse, 424 i
Et mout li plest. Or voit il bien
Que cil ne li a mesfet rien
De ce dont il Ta mescreii.
Ilueques s'est issi tenu 428
Toute la nuit, endementiers
Que la dame et li chevaliers
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 85
Dedenz la chambre en .1. lit furent
Et sans dormir ensemble jurent 432
A tel joie et a tel deport
Qu'il n'est resons que nus recort
Ne ne le die ne ne Toie,
S'il n'atent a avoir tel joie 436
Comme amors a fin amant done,
Quant sa peine reguerredone ;
Quar cil qui tel joie n'atent,
S'il Tooit or, riens n'i entent 440
Puis qu'il n'a a amors le cuer,
Que nus ne savroit a nul fuer
Combien vaut a tel joie avoir,
S'amors ne li fesoit savoir ; 444
Ne teus biens n'avient mie a touz.
Que ce est joie sanz corouz
Et solaz et envoiseiire ;
Mes tant i a que petit dure, 448
C'est avis a Tamant qui Ta,
Ja tant longues ne durera ;
86 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Tant li plest la vie qu'il maine,
Que se nuit devenoit semaine 4
Et semaine devenoit mois,
Et mois uns anz et uns anz trois,
Et troi an .xx. et vint an cent,
Quant vendroit au definement, 4
Si voudroit il qu'il anuitast
Cele nuit, ainz qu'il ajornast.
Et en itel pensse estoit
Icil que li dus atendoit ; 4
Quar ainz jor aler Ten covint,
Et s'amie o lui a Tuis vint.
La vit li dus au congie prendre
Besier doner et besier rendre, 4
Et 01 ferment souspirer
Et au congie prendre plorer.
Iluec ot plore mainte lerme,
Et si o'l prendre le terme 4
Du rassambler iluec arriere.
Li chevaliers en tel maniere
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGl 87
S*en part, et la dame I'uis clot ;
Mes tant comme veoir le pot, 472
Le convoia a ses biaus ieus.
Quant ele ne pot fere mieus.
Quant li dus vit clorre Tuisset,
Tan tost a la voie se met 476
Tant que le chevalier ataint
Qui a soi meisme se plaint
De la nuit : si comme il a dit,
Trop li avoit dure petit. 480
Et tel penssee et auteus diz
Ot cele dont il ert partiz,
A cui il samble por la nuit
Que failli ait a son deduit, 484
Ne du jor ne se loe point.
Li chevaliers ert en tel point
Et de penssee et de parole,
Quant li dus Tataint ; si Tacole 488
88 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Et li a fet joie mout grant,
Pius li a dit : " Je vous creant
Que toz jors mes vous amerai
Ne James jor ne vous harrai, i
Quar vous m'avcz du tout voir dit
Et ne m'avez de mot mentit.
— Sire, " fet cil," vostre merci !
Mes por Dieu vous requier et pri i
Que cest conseil celer vous plaisc,
Qu' amor perdroie et joie et aise
Et morroie sanz nule faute,
Se je savoie que nul autre f
Ice savroit fors vous sanz plus.
— Or n'en parlez ja," fet li dus ;
" Sachiez qu'il ert si bien cele
Que ja par moi n'en ert park." f
Ainsi s'eri sont parlant venu
La dont 11 estoient meii.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 89
Et eel jor quant vint au mengier,
Moustra li dus au chevalier 508
Plus biau samblant qu'ainz n'avoit fait,
Dont tel corouz et tel deshait
En ot la duchoise sanz fable
Qu'ele se leva de la table 512
Et a fet samblant par faintise,
Que maladie li soit prise :
Alee est couchier en son lit
Ou ele ot petit de delit. 516
Et li dus, quant il ot mengie
Et lave et bien festoie.
Si Test tantost alez veoir
Et la fist sus son lis seoir, 520
Et a commandc que nului
Ne remaingne leenz fors lui.
L'en fet tantost ce qu'il commande.
Et li dus errant li demande 524
Comment cist maus li est venu
Et que ce est qu'ele a eii.
90 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Ele respont : " Se Dieus me gart,
Je ne m'en donoie regart 528
Grains, quant au mengier m'assis,
Que greignor sens et plus d'avis
N'eiist en vous que je n'i vi,
Quant vous tenez plus chier celui 532
Que je vous ai dit qui porchace
Qu'il a moi honte et despit face ;
Et quant vi que plus biau samblant
Li feistes que de devant, 536
Si grant duel et si grant ire oi
Qu'ilueques demourer ne poi.
— Ha," fet li dus, " ma douce amie,
Sachiez je n'en croiroie mie 54^
Ne vous ne autre creature
Que onques por nule aventure
Avenist ce que vous me dites ;
Ainz sai bien qu'il en est toz quites, 544
N'onques ne penssa de ce fere,
Tant ai apris de son afere :
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 91
Si ne m'en enquerez ja plus."
Atant se part d'iluec li dus ; 548
Et ele remest mout penssive
Que James tant com ele vive
Une eure a aise ne sera
Devant que plus apris avra 552
De ce dont li dus li desfent
Qu'ele ne li demant noient,
Mais ja ne Ten tendra desfensse,
Quar en son cuer engin porpensse 556
Qu'ele le porra bien savoir,
S'ele se suefFre jusqu'au soir,
Qu'ele ait le due entre ses braz :
Ele set bien qu'en tel solaz 560
En fera, lors n'en doute point,
Mieus son vouloir qu'en autre point.
Por ce adonc a tant se tint,
Et quant li dus couchier se vint, 564
92 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
A une part du lit s'est traite ;
Samblant fet que point ne li haite
Que li dus o li gesir doie,
Qu'ele set bien ce est la voie 568
De son mari metre au dcsouz
Par fere semblant de corouz.
Por ce se tint en itel guise
Afin que mieus le due atise 572
A croire que mout soit irie ;
Por ce sanz plus qu'il Ta besie
Li dist ele : " Mout estcs faus
Et trichierres et desloiaus, 576
Qui moi moustrez samblant d'amor,
N'onques ne m'amastes nul jor ;
Et j'ai este lone tens si fole
Que j'ai creii vostre parole 580
Que soventes foiz disiez,
Que de cuer loial m'amiiez ;
Mes hui m'en sui aperceiie
Que j-en ai este deceiie." 584
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 93
Et li dus dist : "Et vous a qoi ?
— Ja me deistes par ma foi,"
Fet cele qui a mal i bee,
" Que je ne fusse si osee 588
Que je vous enquerisse rien
De ce que or savez vous bien.
— De qoi, suer, savez vous, por De ?
— De ce que cil vous a conte," 592
Fet ele, " men^onge et arvoire,
Qu'il vous a fet pensser et croire.
Mes de ce savoir ne me chaut,
Que j'ai pensse que petit vaut 596
A vous amer de cuer loial.
Que c'onques fust ou bien ou mal,
Mes cuers riens ne vit ne ne sot
Que ne seiissiez ausi tost ; 600
Et or voi que vous me celez,
Vostre merci, les voz penssez.
Si sachiez ore sanz doutance
Que James n'avrai tel fiance 604
94 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
En vous ne cuer de tel maniere
Com j'ai ett 9a en arriere."
Lors a commenci^ a plorer
La duchoise et a souspirer, 608
Et s'esfor^a plus qu'elc pot.
Et li dus tel pitie en ot
Qu'il li a dit : " Ma bele suer,
Je ne soufFerroie a nul fuer 61 2
Ne vostre corouz ne vostre ire ;
Mes sachiez je ne puis pas dire
Ce que volez que je vous die
Sanz fere trop grant vilonie." 616
Ele respont isnel le pas :
" Sire, si ne m'en dites pas,
Quar je voi bien a eel samblant
Qu'en moi ne vous fiez pas tant 620
Que celaisse vostre conseil ;
Et sachiez que mout me merveil :
Ainc n'oistes grant ne petit
Conseil que vous m'etlssiez dit, 624
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 95
Dont descouvers fussiez par moi,
Et si vous di en bone foi,
Ja en ma vie n'avendra."
Quant ce ot dit, si replora ; 628
Et li dus si Tacole et bese,
Et est de son cuer a malese
Si que plus ne se pot tenir
De sa volente descouvrir. 632
Puis si li a dit : " Bele dame,
Je ne sai que face per m'ame,
Que tant m'afi en vous et croi
Que chose celer ne vous doi 636
Que je sache, mes trop me dot
Que vous n'en parlez aucun mot :
Sachiez, et itant vous en di,
Que se je sui par vous trahi, 640
Vous en receverez la mort."
Et ele dist : " Bien m'i acort ;
Estre ne porroit que fei'sse
Chose dont vers vous mespreisse." 644
96 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Cil qui raime por ce le croit
Et cuide que veritez soit
De ce que li dist, puis li conte
De sa niece trestout le conte, 648
Comme apris Tot du chevalier,
Et comment il fu el vergier
En I'anglet ou il n*ot qu'eus deus,
Quant li chienes s'en vint a eus ; 652
Et de Tissue et de Tentree
Li a la verite contee,
Si qu'il nc li a riens ted
Qu'il i ait oi ne veU. 656
Et quant la duchoise Tentent
Que cil aime plus bassement
Qui de s'amor I'a escondite,
Morte se tient et a despite, 660
Mes ainc de ce samblant ne fist,
Ain9ois otroia et promist
Au due a si celer ceste uevre ;
Se ce est qu'ele le descuevre, 664
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 97
Que Ten la pende a une hart.
Et si li est il ja mout tart
D'a celi parler qu'ele het
Des icele heure qu'ele set 668
Que ele est amie a celui
Qui li fet et honte et anui
For itant, ce li est avis,
Qu'il ne vout estre ses amis. 672
Si afFerme tout son porpens
Que, s'ele voit ne lieu ne tens
Qu'a la niece le due parolt,
Qu'ele li dira ausi tost, 676
Ne ja ne celera tel chose
Ou felonie avra enclose.
Mes ainc en point n'en lieu n'en vint
Tant qu'a la Pentecouste vint 680
Que ce fu la feste premiere,
Que li dus tint cort mout pleniere,
G
98 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Si qu'il envoia par tout querre
Toutes les dames de la terre 684
Et sa niece tout premeraine
Qui de Vergi ert chastelaine.
Et quant la duchoise la vit,
Tantost toz li sans li fremist, 688
Com cele del mont que plus het.
Mes son corage celer set :
Si li a fet plus bel atret
C'onques devant ne li ot fet ; 692
Mes mout ot grant talent de dire
Ce dont ele ot au cuer grant ire,
Et la demeure mout li couste.
Por ce, le jour de Pentecouste, 696
Quant les tables furent ostees,
En a la duchoise menees
Les dames en sa chambre o soi
Por eles parer en reqoi, 700
Por venir cointes aus caroles.
Lors ne pot garder ses paroles
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 99
La duchoise qui vit son leu,
Ainz dist ausi comme par geu : 704
" Chastelaine, soiez bien cointe,
Quar bel et preu avez acointe."
Et cele respont simplement :
" Je ne sai quel acointement 708
Vous penssez, ma dame, por voir.
Que talent n'ai d'ami avoir
Qui ne soit del tout a Tonor
Et de moi et de mon seignor. 712
. — Je Totroi bien," dit la duchesse,
" Mais vous estes bone mestresse.
Qui avez apris le mestier
Du petit chienet afetier," 716
Les dames ont 01 le conte,
Mes ne sevent a qoi ce monte ;
O la duchoise s'en revont
Aus caroles qui fetes sont. 720
100 LA CHASTELATNE DE VERGI
Et la chastelaine remaint :
Li cuers li trouble d'ire et taint
Et li mue trestoz el ventre.
Dedenz une garderobe entre 724
Ou une pucelete estoit
Qui aus piez du lit se gisoit,
Mes ele ne la pot veoir.
Dedenz le lit se lest cheoir 728
La chastelaine mout dolente ;
Iluec se plaint et se gaimente,
Et dist : " Ha ! sire Dieus, merci,
Que puet est re que j'ai 01 732
Que ma dame m'a fet regret
Que j*ai afetie mon chienet ?
Ce ne set ele par nului,
Ce sai je bien, fors par celui 736
Que j'amoie et trahie m'a ;
Ne ce ne li deist il ja,
S'a li n'eUst grant acointance,
Et s'il ne Tamast sanz doutance 740
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI loi
Plus que moi quant il m'a trahie !
Mais or voi qu'il ne m'aime mie,
Quant il me faut de couvenant.
Douz Dieus ! et je Tamoie tant 744
Comme riens petist autre amer,
Qu'aillors ne pooie pensser
Nis une cure ne jor ne nuit !
Quar c'ert ma joie et mon deduit, 748
Cert mes delis, c'ert mes depors,
Cert mes solaz, c'ert mes confers.
Comment a lui me contenoie
De pensser, quant je nel veoie ! 752
Ha I amis, dont est ce venu ?
Que poez estre devenu.
Quant vers moi avez este faus ?
Je cuidoie que plus loiaus 756
Me fussiez, se Dieus me conseut,
Que ne fust Tristans a Yseut ;
Plus vous amoie la moitid,
Se Dieus ait ja de moi piti6, 760
102 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Que ne fesoie moi meismes ;
Onques avant, ne puis ne primes
En pensser n'en dit ne en fet
Ne fis ne poi ne grant mesfet 764
Par qoi me deiissiez hair
Ne si vilainement trahir
Comme a noz amors depccier
Por autre amer et moi lessier, 768
Et descouvrir nostre conseil.
He ! lasse, amis, mout me merveil,
Que li miens cuers, si m'ait Dieus,
Ne fu onques vers vous itieus. 772
Car, se tout le mont et neis
Tout son ciel et son paradis
Me donast Dieus, pas nes preisse
Par couvenant que vous perdisse ; 776
Quar voiis estiiez ma richece
Et ma santez et ma leece,
Ne riens grever ne me petist
Tant comme mes las cuers seiist 780
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 103
Que li vostres de riens m'amast.
Ha ! fine amor ! et qui penssast
Que cist feist vers moi desroi,
Qui disoit, quant il ert o moi 784
Et je fesoie mon pooir
De fere trestout son voloir,
Qu'il ert toz miens, et a sa dame
Me tenoit et de cors et d'ame, 788
Et le disoit si doucement
Que le creoie vraiement,
Ne je ne penssaisse a nul fuer
Qu'il peiist trover en son cuer 792
En vers moi corouz ne haine
Por duchoise ne por roine ;
Qu'a lui amer estoit si buen
Qu'a mon cuer prenoie le suen ; 796
De lui me penssoie autressi
Qu'il se tenoit a mon ami
Toute sa vie et son cage,
Quar bien connois a mon corage, 800
104 LA CHASTE LAINE DE VERGI
S'avant morust, que tant Tamaisse
Que petit apres lui duraisse.
Estre morte o lui me fust mieus
Que vivre si que de mes ieus 804
Ne le veisse nule foiz.
Ha ! fine amor, est ce done droiz
Que cil a ainsi descouvert
Nostre conseil, dont il me pert ? 808
Qu'a m'amor otroier li dis
Et bien en couvenant li mis
Qu' a icele eure me perdroit
Que nostre amor descovreroit. 812
Et quant j'ai avant perdu lui,
Ne puis vivre apres tel anui.
Que sanz lui por cui je me dueil
Ne puis vivre ne je ne vueil ; 816
De ma vie ne me plest point,
Ainz pri Dieu que la mort me doinst,
Et que, tout ausi vraiement
Comme j'ai ame leaument 820
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 105
Celui qui ce m'a porchacie,
Ait de Tame de moi pitie,
Et a celui qui a son tort
M'a trahie et livrde a mort 824
Doinst honor. Et je li pardon ;
Ne ma mort n"'est se douce non,
Ce m'est avis, quant de lui vient ;
Et quant de s'amor me sovient, 828
Por lui morir ne m'est pas paine."
A tant se tut la chastelaine
Fors qu'ele dist en souspirant :
" Douz amis, a Dieu vous commant ! " 832
A cest mot de ses braz s'estraint,
Li cuers H faut, li vis li taint :
Angoisseusement s'est pasmee,
Et gist pale et descoloree 836
En mi le lit, morte, sanz vie.
Mes ses amis ne le set mie,
io6 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Qui se deduisoit en la sale
A la Carole et dansse et bale ; 840
Mes ne li plest riens qu'il i voie,
Quant cele a cui son cuer s*otroie
N'i voit point, dont mout se merveille.
Si a dit au due en roreille : 844
" Sire, qu*est ce que vostre niece
Est demoree si grant piece,
Que n'est aus caroles venue ? |
Ne sai se Tavez mise en mue." 848
Et li dus la Carole esgarde.
Qui de ce ne s'estoit pris garde :
Celui a soi par la main trait,
Et droit en la chambre s'en vait ; 852
Et quant illueques ne la trueve,
Au chevalier commande et rueve
Qu'en la garderobe la quiere,
Quar il le veut en tel maniere, 856
Per leenz entr'aus solacier
Com d'acoler et de besier.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 107
Et cil qui H en sot hauz grez
Est en la garderobe entrez 860
Ou s'amie gisoit enverse
El lit, descolouree et perse.
Cil maintenant Tacole et baise,
Que bien en ot et lieu et aise ; 864
Mes la bouche a trovee froide
Et partout bien pale et bien roide,
Et au samblant que li cors moustre
Voit bien qu'ele est morte tout outre. 868
Tantost toz esbahiz s'escrie :
" Qu'est ce, las ? est morte m'amie ? "
Et la pucele sailli sus
Qui aus piez du lit gisoit jus, 872
Et dist : " Sire, ce croi je bien
Qu'ele soit morte, qu'autre rien
Ne demanda puis que vint ci,
Por le corouz de son ami 876
Dont ma dame I'ataina
Et d'un chienet la ramposna,
io8 LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Dont H corouz li vint morteus."
Et quant cil entent les mos teus 880
Que ce qu'il dist au due Ta morte,
Sanz mesure se desconforte :
" Ha las ! " dist il, " ma douce amor,
La plus cortoise et la meillor 884
C'onques fust et la plus loial,
Comme trichierres desloial
Vous ai morte ! Si fust droiture
Que sor moi tornast Taventure, 888
Si que vous n'en eiissiez mal ;
Mes le cuer aviez si loial
Que sor vous Tavez avant prise.
Mes je ferai de moi justise 892
Por la trahison que j'ai fete ! "
Une espee du fuerre a trete
Qui ert pendue a .1. espuer,
Et s*en feri par mi le cuer : 896
Cheoir se lest sor Tautre cors ;
Cil a tant sainie qu'il est mors.
LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI 109
Et la pucele est hors saillie,
Quant ele vit les cors sanz vie : 900
Hidor ot de ce qu'ele vit.
Au due qu'ele encontra a dit
Ce qu'ele a 01 et veil
Si qu'ele n'i a riens teii, 904
Comment I'afere ert commencie,
Nels du chienet afetie
Dont la Duchoise avoit parle.
Ez vous le due adonc derve : 908
• Tout maintenant en la chambre entre,
Au chevalier trest fors du ventre
L'espee dont s'estoit ocis.
Tan tost s'est a la voie mis 912
Grant oirre droit a la carole,
Sanz plus tenir longue parole ;
Maintenant vint a la duchesse :
Si li a rendu sa promesse 916
Quar el chief li a embatue
L'espee qu'il aportoit nue,
no LA CHASTELAINE DE VERGI
Sanz parler, tant estoit iriez.
La duchoise chiet a ses piez, 920
Voiant toz ceus de la contree,
Dont fu la feste mout troublee
Des chevaliers qui la estoient,
Qui grant joie menee avoient. 924
Et li dus trestout ausi tost,
Oiant toz, qui oir le vost,
Conta Tafere en mi la cort.
Lors n'i a celui qui n*en plort, 928,
Et nommeement quant il voient
Les .IL amanz qui mort estoient,
Et la duchoise d'autre part :
A duel et a corouz depart 93:
La cort et a meschief vilain.
Li dus enterrer Tendemain
Fist les amanz en .L sarqueu,
Et la duchoise en autre leu.v 936J
Mes de Taventure ot tele ire
C'onques puis ne Toi on rire.
LA CHASTE LAINE DE VERGI iii
Errant se croisa d'outre mer,
Ou il ala sanz retorner, 940
Si devint ilueques Templiers.
Ha ! Dieus ! trestous cilz encombriers
Et cis meschies por ce avint
Qu'au chevalier tant mesavint 944
Qu'il dist ce que celer devoit
Et que desfendu li avoit
S'amie qu'il ne le deist
Tant com s'amor avoir vousist. 948
Et par cest example doit Ten
S'amor celer par si grant sen
Con ait toz jors en remembrance
Que li descouvrirs riens n'avance. 952
Et li celers en toz poins vaut.
Qui si le fait, ne crient assaut
Des faus felons enquerreors,
Qui enquierent autrui amors. 956
Printed by Ballantine, Hanson &> Co.
Edinburgh 6* London
Boards or Cloth
net
^uarter Vellum
2/6 net
Three-quarter Vellum
Sl- net
CHATTO & WINDUS
III St. Martin's Lane, London,W.C.
Sefltmher 1 90S
A CONCISE LIST OF
THE KING'S CLASSICS
GENERAL EDITOR : PROFESSOR I. GOLLANCZ, Litt.D.
Although The King's Classics are to be purchased
for i/6 net per volume, the series is unique in
that
(i) the letterpress, paper, and binding are unap-
proached by any similar series.
(2) " Competent scholars in every case have super-
vised this series, which can therefore be received with
confidence." — Atheneeum.
(3) With few exceptions, the volumes in this series
are included in no similar series, while several are
copyright.
THE KING'S CLASSICS
UNDER THE GENERAL EDITORSHIP OF PROFESSOR I. GOLLANCZ, .
LITT.D.
" Right Royal Series." — Literary World.
"We note with pleasure that competent scholars in every
case have supervised this series, which can therefore be received
with confidence." — Athenaeum,
"The name of Professor I. GoUanczhas been at various times
associated with a large number of noteworthy works in literature,
but it is doubtful whether he has ever done a finer, yet less ob-
trusive, work of popular education than that associated with his
general editorship of * The King's Classics.' . . . This venture
has important and well-defined aims. It seeks to introduce many
important works of literature that have not been readily acces-
sible in a cheap form, or not hitherto rendered into English. It
stands first and last for pure scholarship. Each volume is edited
by some expert scholar, and contains a summary introduction,
dealing with the principal facts of the literary history of the book ;
while at the end are added copious explanatory notes and a care-
fully-compiled index. Never is the man who reads to learn
forgotten.
At the same time modern popular classics, more especially such
as have not yet been adequately or at all annotated, are not ex-
cluded from the series. In fact, *The King's Classics' are in
the main representative of Professor Gollancz's own ideal of what
such a library should be, for here and there it will be observed
with pleasure that he steps deliberately out of the ordinary track,
and includes in his series several modern but invaluable books
that have never seen printer's ink under similar auspices. . . .
The literary importance of these volumes cannot be ques-
tioned, and when it is added that each is bound in a peculiarly
effective scheme of grey blue and white imitation vellum, all
people who love dainty associations with the format of their books
should remember that * The King's Classics ' have every claim
for their consideration and approval." — Standard.
3
4 THE KING'S CLASSICS
The " King's Classics " are printed on antique laid paper,
i6mo. (6 X 4^ inches), gilt tops, and are issued in the following
styles and prices. Each volume has a frontispiece, usually in
photogravure.
Quarter bound, antique g^ey boards, 1/6 net.
Red Cloth, 1/6 net.
Quarter Vellum, grey cloth sides, 2/6 net.
Special three-quarter Vellum, Oxford side-papers, gilt tops,
silk marker, 5/- net.
*^* Nos. 2, 20 and 24 are double volumes. Price, Boards or
Cloth, 3/- net ; Quarter Vellum, 5/- net j special
three-quarter Vellum, 7/6 net.
NOTE. — In response to many applicationsy the publishers have
arranged to supply school-masters requiring volumes in this series for
class use with not fewer than 25 copies of any one title, in stout paper
covers, price i/- net. Double volumes 2/- net.
SHORT LIST
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY IN ORDER OF AUTHORS* NAMES.
Apuleius, Cupid and Psyche, etc., in Adlington's translation.
No. 12.
AssER, The Life of King Alfred. No. 57.
Benet (Saint), The Rule of. No. 59.
Boniface (Saint), English Correspondence of. No. 53.
Browning (Robert), M^en and Women. 2 vols, Nos. 26, 27,
Bury (Richard de). The Love of Books (Philobiblon). No. i.
Calderon, Six Dramas of. Translated by Edward FitzGerald.
Double volume. No. 2.
Cavalier to his Lady, The. No. 56.
Charlemagne, Early Lives of. No. 22.
THE KING'S CLASSICS 5
Chaucer, The Prologue, and Minor Poems. In modern English
by Professor Skeat. No 47.
Chaucer, The Knight's Tale. In modern English. No. 8.
Chaucer, The Man of Law's Tale, etc. „ „ No. 9,
Chaucer, The Prioress's Tale, etc. „ „ No. 10.
Chaucer, The Legend of Good Women „ „ No. 41.
Chaucer, The Parliament of Birds, and the House of Fame.
In modern English. No. 48.
Cicero, Friendship, Old Age, and Scipio's Dream. No. 23.
Daniel and Drayton, Delia and Idea. No. 60.
Dante, The Vita Nuova. Italian text with D. G. Rossetti's
translation on the opposite pages. No. 46.
Dantk, Early Lives of. No. 14.
Dekker (Thomas), The Gull's Hornbook. No. 19.
EiKON Basilike. No. 5.
Eliot (George), Silas Marner. No. 30.
Evelyn (John), The Life of Margaret Godolphin. No. 13.
FitzGerald (Edward), Polonius. No. i6. [See Calderon.
FuLK Fitz-Warine, The Romance of. No. 11.
Gaskell (Mrs.), Cranford, No. 49.
Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield. No. 31.
Icelandic, Translations from the. No. 58,
JocELYN OF Brakelond, The Chronicle of. No. 3.
Kings* Letters. Nos. 6, 7, 51, 52.
Lamb (Charles), The Essays of Elia. Two -volumes. Nos. 54, 55.
Langland, The Vision of Piers the Plowman. In moaern
English by Professor Skeat. No. 18.
6 THE KING'S CLASSICS
Manning (Miss), The Household of Sir Thomas More. No. 33.
Medieval Lore. No. 17.
Monmouth, Memoirs of Robert Gary, Earl of. No. 21.
More (Sir Thomas), Utopia. No. 40.
More (Sir Thomas), The Four Last Things. No. 44.
Morris (William), The Defence of Guenevere, etc. No. 25.
Nun's Rule, The, or Ancren Riwle. In modern English. Double
volume. No. 20.
Pearl. With a translation into Modern English by Professor
I. GoLLANCz. No. 50.
Pettie (George), The Petite Pallace of Pettie his Pleasure.
Tivo •volumes. Nos. 36, 37.
PoE (E. A.), Poems. No. 28.
Poets Royal of England and Scotland. No. 39.
Reade (Charles), Peg Woffington. No. 32.
Roland, The Song of. No. 45.
Roper (William), The Life of Sir Thomas More. No. 4.
Sappho : One Hundred Lyrics. By Bliss Carman. No. 34.
Shakespeare, The Sonnets. No. 29.
Swift, The Battle of the Books, with Extracts from the Litera-
ture of the Phalaris Controversy. No. 42.
Symonds (J. A.), Wine, Women, and Song. No. 35.
Temple (Sir W.), On the Gardens of Epicurus, with other 17th
Century Garden Essays. No. 43.
Walpole (Horace), The Castle of Otranto. No. 38.
White Qames), The FalstafF Letters. No. 15.
Wordsworth, The Prelude. Double 'volume. No. 24.
THE KING'S CLASSICS 7
DETAILED LIST
1. THE LOVE OF BOOKS: being the Philo-
biblon of Richard de Bury.
Translated by E. C. Thomas. Frontispiece, Seal of Richard
de Bury (as Bishop of Durham).
2. SIX DRAMAS OF CALDERON.
Translated by Edward FitzGerald. Editor, H. Oelsner,
M.A., Ph.D. Frontispiece, Portrait of Calderon, from an
etching by M. Egusquiza. [Double volume.
3. THE CHRONICLE OF JOCELIN OF
BRAKELOND, MONK OF ST. EDMUNDS
BURY : a Picture of Monastic and Social Life
in the Xllth Century.
• Newly translated, from the original Latin, with notes, table of
dates relating to the Abbey of St. Edmundsbury, and index,
by L. C. Jane, M.A. Introduction by the Right Rev. Abbot
Gasquet. Frontispiece, Seal of Abbot Samson (a.d. 1200).
(See No. 20.)
4. THE LIFE OF SIR THOMAS MORE,
Knight.
By his son-in-law, William Roper. With letters to and from
his famous daughter, Margaret Roper. Frontispiece, Portrait of
Sir Thomas More, after Holbein.
5. EIKON BASILIKE : or, The King's Book.
Edited by Edward Almack, F.S.A. Frontispiece, Portrait of
King Charles I. This edition, which has been printed from an
advance copy of the King's Book seized by Cromwell's soldiers,
is the first inexpensive one for a hundred years in which the
original spelling of the first edition has been preserved.
8 THE KING'S CLASSICS
6, 7. KINGS' LETTERS.
Part I. Letters of the Kings of England, from Alfred to the
Coming of the Tudors, newly edited from the originals by
Robert Steele, F.S.A. Frontispiece, Portrait of Henry V.
Part II. From the Early Tudors, with the love-letters of
Henry VIII. and Anne Boleyn, and with frontispiece, Portrait
of Anne Boleyn. (See also Nos. 51, 52.)
8. CHAUCER'S KNIGHT'S TALE, or Palamon
and Arcite.
In modern English by Professor Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece,
" The Canterbury Pilgrims," from an illuminated MS.
9. CHAUCER'S MAN OF LAW'S TALE,
Squire's Tale, and Nun's Priest's Tale.
In modern English by Professor Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece
from an illuminated MS.
10. CHAUCER'S PRIORESS'S TALE, Par-
doner's Tale, Clerk's Tale, and Canon's
Yeoman's Tale.
In modern English by Professor Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece,
"The Patient Griselda," from the well-known fifteenth-century
picture of the Umbrian School in the National Gallery.
11. THE ROMANCE OF FULK FITZ-
WARINE.
Newly translated from the Anglo-French by Alice Kemp-
Welch, with an introduction by Professor Brandin. Frontis-
piece, Whittington Castle in Shropshire, the seat of the
Fitzwarines.
12. THE STORY OF CUPID AND PSYCHE.
From "The Golden Ass" of Apuleius, translated by W.
Adlington (1566), edited by W. H. D. Rouse, Litt.D. With
frontispiece representing the " Marriage of Cupid and Psyche,"
after a gem now in the British Museum.
THE KING'S CLASSICS 9
13. THE LIFE OF MARGARET GODOLPHIN.
By John Evelyn, the famous diarist. Re-edited from the
edition of Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Oxford. Frontispiece,
Portrait of Margaret Godolphin engraved on copper.
14. EARLY LIVES OF DANTE.
Comprising Boccaccio's Life of Dante, Leonardo Bruni's Life
of Dante, and other important contemporary records.
Translated and edited by the Rev. Philip H. Wickstkkd.
Frontispiece, The Death-mask of Dante.
15. THE FALSTAFF LETTERS.
By James White, possibly with the assistance of Charles
Lamb, cf. the Introduction. Frontispiece, Sir John FalstafF dancing
to Master Brooks' fiddle, from the original edition.
16. POLONIUS, a Collection of Wise Saws and
Modern Instances.
By Edward FitzGerald. With portrait of Edward Fitz-
Gerald from the miniature by Mrs. E. M. B. Rivett-Carnac
as frontispiece ; notes and index. Contains a preface by Edward
FitzGerald, on Aphorisms generally.
17. MEDIAEVAL LORE.
From Bartholomaeus Anglicus. Edited with notes, index and
glossary by Robert Steele. Preface by the late William
Morris. Frontispiece, an old illumination, representing
Astrologers using Astrolabes.
The book is drawn from one of the most widely-read works
of mediaeval times. Its popularity is explained by its scope,
which comprises explanations of allusions to natural objects
met with in Scripture and elsewhere. It was, in fact, an
account of the properties of things in generah
18. THE VISION OF PIERS THE PLOWMAN.
By William Langland j in modern English by Professor
Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece, "God Speed the Plough," from
an old MS.
lo THE KING'S CLASSICS
19. THE GULL'S HORNBOOK.
By Thomas Dekker. Editor, R. B. McKerrow. Frontis-
piece, The nave of St. Paul's Cathedral at the time of Elizabeth.
20. THE NUN'S RULE, or Ancren Riwle, in
Modern English. [Double 'volume.
Being the injunctions of Bishop Poore intended for the
guidance of nuns or anchoresses, as set forth in this famous
thirteenth-century MS.
Editor, the Right Rev. Abbot Gasqukt. Frontispiece, Seal
of Bishop Poore. (See Nos. 3, 59.)
21. THE MEMOIRS OF ROBERT CARY,
Earl of Monmouth.
Being a contemporary record of the life of that nobleman as
Warden of the Marches and at the Court of Elizabeth.
Editor, G. H. Powell. With frontispiece from the original
edition, representing Queen Elizabeth in a state procession, with
the Earl of Monmouth and others in attendance.
22. EARLY LIVES OF CHARLEMAGNE.
Translated and edited by A. J. Grant. With frontispiece
representing an early bronze figure of Charlemagne from the
Mus^e Camavalet, Paris.
We have here given us two " Lives " of Charlemagne by
contemporary authorities — one by Eginhard and the other by
the Monk of St. Gall. Very different in style, when brought
together in one volume each supplies the deficiencies of the
other.
23. CICERO'S "FRIENDSHIP," "OLD AGE,"
AND "SCIPIO'S DREAM."
From early translations. Editor, W. H. D. Rouse, Litt.D.
Frontispiece, "Scipio, Laelius and Cato conversing," from a
fourteenth-century MS.
THE KING'S CLASSICS ii
24. WORDSWORTH'S PRELUDE.
The introduction and notes have been written by W. Basil
WoRSFOLD, M.A., and the frontispiece is taken from the portrait
of Wordsworth by H. W. Pickersgill, R.A., in the National
Gallery. A map of the Lake District is added.
[Double volume,
25. THE DEFENCE OF GUENEVERE and
other Poems by William Morris.
Editor, Robert Steele. With reproduction of Dante
Gabriel Rossetti's picture of " Lancelot and Guenevere at
King Arthur's tomb" as frontispiece.
26. 27. BROWNING'S "MEN AND WOMEN.'*
Edited with introduction and notes by W. Basil Worsfold,
M.A. Two volumes, each with portrait of Browning as
frontispiece. [/« nvo volumes,
28. POE'S POEMS.
Editor, Edward Hutton. Frontispiece, Drawing of Poe's
cottage.
29. SHAKESPEARE'S SONNETS.
Editor, Mrs. C. C. Stopes. Frontispiece, Portrait of the Earl
of Southampton.
30. GEORGE ELIOT'S SILAS MARNER.
Frontispiece, Portrait of George Eliot, from a water-colour
drawing by Mrs. Charles Bray. Introduction by Richard
Garnett.
31. GOLDSMITH'S VICAR OF WAKEFIELD.
Introduction by Richard Garnett. Frontispiece, Portrait of
Oliver Goldsmith.
32. CHARLES READE'S PEG WOFFINGTON.
Frontispiece, Portrait of Peg Woffington. Introduction by
Richard Garnett.
12 THE KING'S CLASSICS
33. THE HOUSEHOLD OF SIR THOMAS
MORE.
By Anne Manning. Preface by Richard Garnett. Frontis-
piece, « The Family of Sir Thomas More."
34.. SAPPHO : One Hundred Lyrics,
By Bliss Carman. With frontispiece after a Greek gem.
35. WINE, WOMEN, AND SONG.
Mediaeval students' songs, translated from the Latin, with an
essay, by John Addington Symonds. Frontispiece after a
fifteenth-century woodcut.
36,37. GEORGE PETTIE'S "PETITE PAL-
LACE OF PETTIE HIS PLEASURE."
The popular Elizabethan book containing twelve classical
love-stories — " Sinorix and Camma," " Tereus and Progne,"
etc. — in style the precursor of Euphues, now first reprinted
under the editorship of Professor I. Gollancz. Frontispieces,
a reproduction of the original title-page, and of a page of the
original text. [/« /wo volumes,
38. WALPOLE'S CASTLE OF OTRANTO.
The introduction of Sir Walter Scott. Preface by Miss C.
Spurgeon. Frontispiece, Portrait of Walpole, after a contem-
porary engraving.
39. THE POETS ROYAL OF ENGLAND
AND SCOTLAND.
Being Original Poems by English Kings and other Royal and
Noble Persons, now first collected and edited by W. Bailey-
Kempung. Frontispiece, Portrait of King James I. of Scotland,
after an early engraving.
THE KING'S CLASSICS 13
40. SIR THOMAS MORE'S UTOPIA.
Now for the first time edited in modern spelling from thejirst
English edition, with notes and bibliography by Robert Steele.
Frontispiece, Portrait of Sir Thomas More, after an early
engraving,
41. CHAUCER'S LEGEND OF GOOD
WOMEN.
In modern English, with notes and introduction, by Professor
W. W. Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece, "Ariadne Deserted," after
the painting by Angelica Kaufmann.
42. SWIFT'S BATTLE OF THE BOOKS.
Together with Selections from the Literature of
the Ancient and Modern Learning Controversy.
Edited by A. Guthkelch, with notes and introduction. Frontis-
piece after an old engraving illustrating the Epistles of Phalaris.
43. SIR WILLIAM TEMPLE UPON THE
GARDENS OF EPICURUS ; together with
other XVIIth Century Garden Essays.
Edited, and with notes and introduction, by A. Forbes
Sieveking, F.S.A. Frontispiece, Portrait of Sir William
Temple, and five reproductions of early " Garden " engravings.
44. THE FOUR LAST THINGS, by Sir T.
More, together with A Spiritual Consolation
and other Treatises by John Fisher, Bishop of
Rochester.
Edited by Daniel O'Connor. Frontispiece after two design*
from the " Daunce of Death." [In preparation.
45. THE SONG OF ROLAND.
Newly translated from the old French by Mrs. Crosland.
Introduction by Professor Brandin, University of London.
Frontispiece after a page of the Oxford MS.
14 THE KING'S CLASSICS
46. DANTE'S VITA NUOVA.
The Italian text with D. G. Rossetti's translation on the
opposite page. Introduction and notes by Professor H. Oelsner,
Ph.D., Lecturer in Romance Literature, Oxford University.
Frontispiece after the original water-colour sketch for " Dante's
Dream," by D. G. Rossetti.
47. CHAUCER'S PROLOGUE AND MINOR
POEMS.
In modern English by Professor Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece,
Portrait of Chaucer after the EUesmere MS.
48. CHAUCER'S PARLIAMENT OF BIRDS
AND HOUSE OF FAME.
In modern English by Professor Skeat, Litt.D. Frontispiece,
after Sir E. Burne Jones, from the Kelmscott Chaucer.
49. MRS. GASKELL'S CRANFORD.
With an Introduction by R. Brimley Johnson. The frontis-
piece reproduced after the portrait by Sir W. Richmond, R.A.
50. PEARL.
An English Poem of the Fourteenth Century. Edited with
a modern rendering and Introduction by Professor I. Gollancz,
Litt.D. With a Frontispiece after W. Holman Hunt, and
Prefatory lines by the late Lord Tennyson. A revision of the
edition of 1 89 1. (See No. 18.) [In preparation.
51. 52. KINGS' LETTERS.
Parts III and IV. Edited from the originals by Robert
Steele, F.S.A. (See Nos. 6, 7.) [In preparation.
53. THE ENGLISH CORRESPONDENCE OF
SAINT BONIFACE.
Being the letters exchanged between "The Apostle of the
Germans," while engaged in his missionary labours on the Con-
tinent, and his English friends. Translated and edited, and with
a brief Introductory sketch of the Life of Saint Boniface, by
E. J. Kylie, M.A. [In preparation.
THE KING'S CLASSICS 15
54, 55. THE ESSAYS OF ELIA.
Fully edited, with Notes, Introduction, etc^ by Thomas
Seccombe, M.A. Frontispieces. [/« preparation.
56. THE CAVALIER TO HIS LADY : an
Anthology of XVIIth Century Love Songs.
Selected and edited by Frank Sidgwick. With a frontispiece
after a water-colour drawing by Byam Shaw, R.I. {At Press.
57. ASSER'S LIFE OF KING ALFRED.
Newly translated and edited by L. C. Jane, M.A. The
frontispiece reproduces King Alfred's jewel, while a facsimile is
also given of a page of the lost MS.
58. TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ICE-
LANDIC : select passages from Icelandic
Literature, in prose and verse.
Translated and edited by the Rev. W. C. Green, M.A.
frontispiece, a drawing of the Thor Cross, Kirkbride.
59. THE RULE OF ST. BENET.
Translated and edited by the Right Rev. Abbot Gasquet.
Frontispiece. \^At Press.
60. DANIEL'S "DELIA" AND DRAYTON'S
"IDEA": two Elizabethan sonnet-sequences.
Edited by Arundell Esdaile, M.A» Frontispiece, portraits
of Daniel and Drayton.
Other 'volumes in preparation.
NOTE. — At the date of this list, September 1908, Nos. 1-43,
45-49, 57, 58 and 60 ivere published. Other numbers subsequent
to 43 were at press or about to go to press.
CHATTO & WINDUS, III St. Martin's Lane, London,W.C.
THE SHAKESPEARE
LIBRARY
General Editor, Professor I. Gollancz, Litt.D.
Part I. THE OLD-SPELLING SHAKESPEARE, in
40 Vols. Edited by Dr. F. J. Furnivall, with the
assistance of F. W. Clarke, M.A. In the case of
several volumes the late W. G. Boswell-Stone ren-
dered invaluable assistance before his death.
Part II. THE SHAKESPEARE CLASSICS : a series
of reprints embodying the Novels, Plays and Romances,
used by Shakespeare as the originals or direct sources
of his Plays.
Part IIL THE LAMB SHAKESPEARE FOR THE
YOUNG : edited by Prof. Gollancz. Each volume
is illustrated and contains the chief songs set to music
for home or school use under the direction of
T. Maskell Hardy.
Part IV. SHAKESPEARE'S ENGLAND : a series
of volumes illustrative of the life, thought, and letters
of England in Shakespeare's time.
The detailed prospectus post free on application.
BIBLIOTHECA ROMANICA
Under the sub-headings — Bibliotheque FranfaisCy Biblioteca
Italianoy Biblioteca Espanokf Biblioteca Portuguesa — are
here issued selected classics of the Romance Languages,
in, and with notes and necessary introductions also in the
original language of the several volumes. Cartridge paper
binding %d. net, cloth \s. net. Fifty-seven Volumes are
now ready, and others will follow.
The detailed prospectus post free on application.
^ ^ -„ M^ -», 1 1 1 St. Martin's
ChATTO & WlNDUS ^
Lane,
Publishers ^$5L</ London, W.C.
[/?. Clay &' Sons, Ltd,, London and Bungay,
i
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SUPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO UBRARY
99
La chastelaine de Vergi
The chatelaine of Vergi
^1
Live Music
Archive
Librivox
Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland
Museum of Art
Internet
Arcade
Console Living Room
Open Library
American
Libraries
TV News
Understanding
9/11